[Diocese of the Rio Grande] Bishop Michael L. Vono of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande has asked congregations throughout the Diocese to join in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Syria. Recently developments and images of men, women and children have affected people throughout the world.

In response to the reports of the atrocities committed and the use of chemical weapons, Bishop Vono believes that all Christian denominations must speak as a unified voice. He writes in his letter “I share with most of you, I suspect, confusing feelings of anxiety, dread, anger, sadness, and even depression, each waking day as we listen to the daily news.”

Bishop Vono has asked that Episcopalians throughout New Mexico and Texas join with Roman Catholic congregations in setting aside Saturday, September 7th and Sunday September 8th as days of action, prayer and contemplation. He requests that prayers for peace be part of the Eucharistic celebration, and that church bells toll to call the entire community to prayer.

Bishop Vono goes on to write “We are not helpless as Christians. This is my consolation. We live in faith, confident that God hears the prayers of his suffering people and that the gifts of the Holy Spirit can change the hearts and redirect the souls of all men and women.”

The Diocese of the Rio Grande includes all of New Mexico and Far West Texas including El Paso, Marfa, Alpine and Lajitas.